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This veteran went from living in his car to graduating college

Four years ago, Zack Cleghorn was living in his car. After returning home from a seven-year tour as a Marine in Japan, Afghanistan and the U.S., Cleghorn worked as a car salesman for several months to make ends meet. But he struggled with PTSD and...

This veteran went from living in his car to graduating college

After returning home from a seven-year tour as a Marine in Japan, Afghanistan and the U.S., Cleghorn worked as a car salesman for several months to make ends meet. But he struggled with PTSD and depression.

“There was a time I didn’t want to wake up in the morning," says Cleghorn, 28.

College, which no one in his family had attended, seemed like the best way to move forward. So he moved in with a friend and enrolled at Pitt Community College in Winterville, North Carolina, on a scholarship. Thanks to his financial aid package, he was able to pay for an apartment while he took classes.

“Some people start from the bottom and as they get to a better position they forget the bottom,” says Cleghorn, who broke down in tears after receiving his job offer at the school. “I remember being a student every day as I walk through the halls.”

Cleghorn is a perfect fit for his position, which involves helping people find jobs. He’s also taking training classes in CPR, fire safety and other topics so he can teach students.

“Zack has a hardworking mentality that connects with the people he deals with everyday,” says James Ward, an Air Force veteran who served as Cleghorn’s adviser at Pitt Community College and spent all day fishing with him during an especially difficult time. “He doesn’t give up. He’s persistent."

And Cleghorn plans to take his education further so he can help even more people. He’s currently working on a master’s in technology management, and he’ll apply to a doctorate program in education this fall.

Zack Cleghorn with his girlfriend at his graduation.(Photo: Provided by Zack Cleghorn)

“There are thousands of veterans in the same shoes I was in, and unfortunately some of them don’t get out of these shoes,” says Cleghorn, who also does volunteer work, including serving as a judge in robotics competitions and assisting other veterans. “I feel like I’m on the earth to help people.”

Cleghorn’s drive to serve is no surprise to Don King, his friend and former adviser.

“He has taken the term ‘role model’ to a whole other level,” says King. King is also an instructor adviser at Pitt Community College. “He could have been a victim, but he took his struggles and said, 'I’m not a victim, I have a future.'”

Cleghorn says his gratitude for how far he’s come inspires him to continue helping others.

“So many people start from the bottom and stay there,” Cleghorn says. “I didn’t not get knocked down, but I rose above it.”

Brooke Metz is a member of the USA TODAY College contributor network.

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